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I asked Man Utd's van Persie to sit down - Reading boss McDermott

Reading manager Brian McDermott says he quipped at Robin van Persie to sit down whilst he was warming up on Monday night.

The Royals boss lamented the fact that Manchester United were able to bring on a player of the quality of van Persie in the 2-1 FA Cup fifth round loss at Old Trafford and revealed he politely asked him to refrain from coming onto the pitch when the score was 0-0.

"It makes you think when they can bring on players like Robin van Persie as well. When he was warming up I did speak to him and told him to sit down," McDermott said.

But the Reading gaffer was happy with his sides showing after Nani and Chicharito put United two goals ahead before Jobi McAnuff gave the visitors a glimmer of hope.

"We gave them a real run for their money," he added.

"In the last 20 mins we played some very good football.

"But they have some fantastic players and Nani is one of them.

"It is the first time I have managed here (at Old Trafford) and it was good for me personally and my players to come here.

"We have to come back here in the league and will know a bit more about what to expect.

"We really wanted to put on a performance for our fans and we have done that.

About the author

Andrew Slevison is an avid sports fan, particularly of the world game. The Melbourne, Australia native, who has spent time living in London and travelling South America, takes a keen interest in the English Premier League and Major League Soccer and rates his best live footballing moment as the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil.